Another incident of a large number of Canada geese perishing has been discovered in southern Manitoba, this time situated to the north of Winnipeg. Approximately 50 deceased geese were spotted on the frozen Red River in Lockport, around 15 kilometers north of Winnipeg. This discovery follows the removal of 165 goose carcasses last week from retention ponds in Niverville, roughly 20 kilometers south of Winnipeg. Lab tests confirmed that the geese in Niverville succumbed to the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of the avian influenza virus.
Canadian Wildlife Service biologist Frank Baldwin mentioned to CBC Manitoba that although no carcasses from Lockport have been collected for testing yet, the prevalent belief is that the same disease is responsible for the deaths based on the number and distribution of the deceased birds. The H5N1 strain of avian flu, historically known as “fowl plague,” originated in China in 1996 and has since become globally pervasive, affecting both birds and mammals.
Baldwin highlighted the unprecedented mortality rate among geese this year, noting that the virus typically did not harm migratory birds in the past. However, in 2021, a shift occurred with the emergence of wild bird die-offs, leading to the detection of the first case in wild birds in Manitoba in spring 2022. While the Public Health Agency of Canada considers the H5N1 virus low-risk to humans, precautions are advised when handling dead birds, with emphasis on pet safety and avoiding direct contact.
The spread of the H5N1 virus among various wildlife species, including scavengers like coyotes, otters, and eagles, has been noted, prompting hunters to maintain proper hygiene practices while handling birds. The current situation, where numerous dead birds are concentrated in specific areas like Niverville and Lockport, is rare and concerning, as per Baldwin’s observations.
The geographical origins of the deceased geese around Winnipeg indicate a diverse migration pattern, with birds from northern and southern Manitoba, as well as Nunavut. Testing conducted in Manitoba this year has revealed 54 positive cases out of 726 dead birds for the H5N1 virus. The unusual concentration of birds in remaining open water bodies during cold weather facilitates rapid virus transmission within the population, particularly among ducks, the primary carriers of the virus.
Despite the background immunity of ducks to low pathogenicity avian flu viruses, the impact on Canada geese remains uncertain. Baldwin stressed the importance of reporting sick or dead birds to the provincial TIP line for further investigation. The recent surge in bird mortality highlights the need for vigilance and preventive measures in handling wildlife amidst the ongoing avian flu outbreak.
